International perspective on healthcare provider gender bias in musculoskeletal pain management: a scoping review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Musculoskeletal pain is a global issue affecting millions of individuals. Healthcare provider gender bias (HCP-GB) in pain management or treatment may have implications. This study aimed to systematically (1) identify and map the scientific and grey literature as it relates to HCP-GB in the assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal pain, and (2) identify current gaps that necessitate further research.

Design

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Data sources

The following databases were searched: PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), CINAHL Complete (Ovid), Academic Search Compl

SUBMITTER: Wilford KF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12815234 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature